March 28 has been designated as International Women in Music Day to honor the achievements of women artists who, despite countless restrictions and challenges, have made significant contributions to the world of music.
In Iran, however, the history of music is one of turbulence—and Iranian women, despite suppression and systemic obstacles, have continuously fought to make their voices heard both at home and abroad.
This episode of the Ravi–HamAva podcast traces the history of pioneering women in Iranian music, explores the impact of the 1979 Islamic Revolution on the repression of women musicians, and highlights the continued struggles and resistance of contemporary female artists. The episode is dedicated to amplifying the challenges and triumphs of Iranian women in music.
Joining this program is Behnaz, a vocalist based in Paris, who shares her personal journey as a female artist living under the shadow of a misogynistic regime.Nazila Golestan and Sahar Nasseri, political analysts and hosts, also contribute their insight into the intersection of music, women’s rights, and state censorship in Iran.
The episode features music by talented young Iranian women artists:
Nahid Jafarzadeh on handpan, Romina Eshaghi on santur, and Yasna Safaei on tonbak.
The Ravi–HamAva podcast series is committed to fostering national dialogue around universal values: democracy, secular governance, human rights, sexual equality, and the defense of Iran’s territorial integrity.Within this framework, it envisions a free and dignified Iran for all Iranians—regardless of belief, opinion, sexuality, ethnicity, or background.
“A government of the people, by the people, for the people.”